New Year's Eve at Cebu Lounge

New Year's Eve at Cebu Lounge is where the party's at with The Fire Weeds. Mark your calenders for Wednesday, December 31st 2014 for a New Year's Eve with The Fire Weeds, the music starts at 9:30 p.m. and will playing until the New Year. The Fire Weeds play a blend of blues, tinged rock, bluegrass and country, check them out at: www.facebook.com/thefireweeds. Plan your New Year's Eve at Cebu Lounge in Hood River and read more about The Fire Weeds below.

Mixing elements of jam music with tight vocal harmonies and " song-craft', dance-ability is a sure thing. Having spun off of several previous Portland projects, Todd Tracewell (acoustic guitar/vocals) most recently arrived from his group of several years, Prairie Dog Brain Trust, a staple at many local venues. Alan Glickenhaus (guitars/fiddle/banjo/mandolin/vocals) played in several regional groups over the years including Higher Ground and Everyday Dirt.

SRC: Find more about New Year's Eve at Cebu Lounge by visiting: www.riversidehoodriver.com/cebumusic.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

New Year's Eve Winter Gala

Looking for a place to spend New Years Eve Safely? Try the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn for their New Year's Eve Winter Gala. This Winter Gala will be hosted by the White Salmon-Bingen Rotary Club & Soroptimist Int'l of Mt. Adams. Purchase tickets from Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, Trellis Fresh Flowers & Gifts, Umpqua Bank, or Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce. Read details of the fun that will be had at the New Year's Eve Winter Gala in Hood River, OR below.

Come Celebrate the New Year with a full sit-down dinner, dancing with music by
Dancehall Days, and a Champagne Toast at Midnight!

Proceeds: Fund Gorge Community Projects including Live Your Dreams Education Awards, the Community Food Bank, Scholarships for high school graduates, dictionaries for third grade students, the Community Youth Center, International Youth Exchange Program, and Christmas for Community Children.

SRC: Contact information and cost of this New Year's Eve Winter Gala can be found at: mtadamschamber.com/event/winter-gala/?instance_id=60541

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Boeing Subsidiary Wins $41 Million Contract from Pentagon

Capt. Michael McKenna, commanding officer of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage, discusses the Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack small tactical unmanned aircraft system with Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy for Policy Jodi Greene, center, during a tour of the ship in September. (Navy Media Content Services)

The company Insitu Inc., a subsidiary of Boeing has received a $41 Million contract for three RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft systems. The contract includes the launching and recovery equipment used for the aircraft systems. Watch a video of the Blackjack launch, flight and recapture at: vimeo.com/76883618. Read details about this Northwest based company's victorious aircraft system deal below.

The Blackjack is viewed as a bulkier successor to the Insitu ScanEagle system, as Flightglobal reported this summer. It is equipped with an internal bay and a variety of audio and video surveillance equipment.
The Blackjack appears to be a lucrative platform for Insitu. Flightglobal said the Navy plans to acquire 25 of the systems.
Work on the current contract will be performed in Bingen, the Pentagon said, and is scheduled to be  completed in January 2016. The Navy said the contract was not competitively awarded.

SRC: Learn more about the $41 Million Unmanned Aircraft System Contract at: www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/insitu_scores_41_million_navy.html#incart_river

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Top 10 Photos of 2014

The photo above is just one of many beautiful photos taken by Chris Tennant, an Oregon photographer. Chris has had photography opportunities in Oregon, Switzerland, France and New York in 2014. Of all the photo's Chris Tennant has taken throughout the year, 4 of his top ten 2014 photos were taken in the Columbia River Gorge. Please contact Chris Tennant Photography if you are interested in purchasing a piece of his work. Read about Chris Tennants photography experience for 2014 below.

‘Tis the time of year for “Best of” lists. I thought I’d contribute my own in the form of my favorite 10 photographs from 2014. My photography can best be described as “opportunistic”. Often my camera sits in its bag for months at a time. But I usually am able to get out for a dedicated spring and fall photography trip. This spring I thoroughly enjoyed exploring many parts of Oregon; from the rugged coast, to verdant waterfalls and expansive fields of wildflowers. It was an amazing trip and one I hope to repeat in the future. In late summer I had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland and France for a work-related conference and managed to fit some photography in. My photographic year concluded with my annual trip to the Adirondacks in New York State to enjoy the fall foliage.

SRC: View the Top 10 2014 Photos by Chris Tennant at: christennantphotography.wordpress.com/2014/12/20/top-10-photos-of-2014/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Columbia Gorge First Day Hikes

Start off the New Year with a Hike. January 1st, 2015 First Day Hikes will hosting hikes at two Columbia River Gorge locations. One First Day Hike will take place at Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The other Columbia River Gorge Hike will take place at Rooster Rock State Park from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Read about First Day Hikes below and we hope to see many Columbia Gorge Hikers in the New Year.

The only things you’ll need for the 25 other hikes are appropriate clothes for the weather, sturdy walking shoes and drinking water. The hikes are free and day-use parking fees are waived Jan. 1 for all visitors to participating state parks that normally require a permit.
This is the third year that Oregon State Parks has participated in First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative sponsored by America’s State Parks (www.americasstateparks.org) to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the New Year by getting out for a walk in a state park. Last year, more than 420 people participated in First Day Hikes in Oregon.

SRC: Find more Oregon First Day Hikes at: pdxpipeline.com/2013/12/30/free-new-years-day-hikes-oregon-state-parks-coast-columbia-river-gorge-portland-metro-area/
Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Columbia Gorge Photography Workshop Gift Certificate

If you are looking for a special gift for the photographer in your life then here is a great deal for a Columbia Gorge Photography Workshop Gift Certificate. The photography workshop is for the weekend of April 25th and 26th with the photographer Gary Randall. This Gift Certificate would make an excellent present for a photographer who wants to learn more. Read details below for this Columbia Gorge Photography Workshop Gift Certificate.

Enjoy exploring some of the most beautiful parts of the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge in this two day Columbia Gorge Photography Workshop.

Buy the photographer that you care about the ultimate gift. A workshop with Gary Randall in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
This Columbia Gorge Photography Workshop Gift Certificate entitles the bearer to attend this workshop.
- See more at: http://www.gary-randall.com/products-page/gift-certificates/columbia-gorge-photography-workshop-gift-certificate/#sthash.YedZDPdn.dpuf

Enjoy exploring some of the most beautiful parts of the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge in this two day Columbia Gorge Photography Workshop.
Buy the photographer that you care about the ultimate gift. A workshop with Gary Randall in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
This Columbia Gorge Photography Workshop Gift Certificate entitles the bearer to attend this workshop.
- See more at: http://www.gary-randall.com/products-page/gift-certificates/columbia-gorge-photography-workshop-gift-certificate/#sthash.YedZDPdn.dpuf

Buy the photographer that you care about the ultimate gift. A workshop with Gary Randall in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
This Columbia Gorge Photography Workshop Gift Certificate entitles the bearer to attend this workshop.

SRC: Learn more or purchase this Columbia Gorge Photography Workshop Gift Certificate at: www.gary-randall.com/products-page/gift-certificates/columbia-gorge-photography-workshop-gift-certificate/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Columbia River Gorge Wine Tour Deal

Hurry, this special Columbia River Gorge Wine Tour deal ends at 6:00 p.m. December 22nd, 2014. Normally a Columbia Gorge Wine tour (includes 3 separate wineries) by way of a luxurious limousine would cost $102. With this limited time deal you could get all this for Only $63, but that deal only lasts until 6 p.m. tonight. Read highlights for this Columbia River Gorge Wine Tour deal below.

Highlights
Take a scenic trip through rustic Pacific Northwest wine country with this deal for a tour by G-Limos. They invite you to treat yourself to a little bit of magic with an unforgettable ride in one of their luxurious limousines.

• $39 ($102 value) for admission for one to a weekday wine tour of Portland Metro or Columbia River Gorge with tastings

• $49 ($102 value) for admission for one to a weekend wine tour of Portland Metro or Columbia River Gorge with tastings

• Professional and punctual

• Visit three separate wineries on either tour

• Tasting fees included at partnered wineries

• Pickup is at prearranged time at central location

SRC: Get this Columbia River Gorge Wine Tour Deal Now at: www.juzdeals.com/us/city/portland-eastside-vancouver/d/76484/wine-tour-portland-metro-columbia-in-portland-eastside-vancouver.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Sturgeon Fishing in Columbia River Gorge

If you are looking forward to some great Sturgeon Fishing then mark your calender for January 1st, 2015 through March 1st, 2015. The first two months of the year the Bonneville pool of the Columbia River Gorge will we open for a great Sturgeon sport-fishing season. Read details about the New Winter Sturgeon Season for the Bonneville pool below.

Washington and Oregon fisheries officials today adopted the early portion of the Bonneville pool sturgeon sport-fishing season.
Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day pools all reopen on Jan. 1, then close at different times based on catch guidelines. Sturgeon retention in the lower Columbia River remains closed indefinitely.
Washington and Oregon allow the harvest of 1,100 sturgeon in Bonneville pool annually, split roughly equally between a winter season and angling in mid-June to early July.
Robin Ehlke of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said anglers in Bonneville pool are projected to catch 420 sturgeon in the 60 days between Jan. 1 and March 1.
Sturgeon fishing generally is better in the west end of Bonneville pool in the winter months, then better in the summer at the east end near The Dalles.

SRC: Read more about the Sturgeon Winter Fishing at: www.columbian.com/news/2014/dec/18/states-adopt-winter-sturgeon-season-bonneville-poo/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Amazon Smile Foundation

It is the season of giving but someone special has secretly done more than that. Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway has been registered for the Amazon Smile Foundation to receive support. What an amazing gesture someone made and the Amazon Smile Foundation makes it easy to contribute to Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Learn more about the Amazon Smile Foundation below.

You shop. Amazon gives.

• Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.

• AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

• Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

SRC: Vist Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway for a direct link to their Amazon Smile at: www.hcrh.org/2014/12/ & Learn more about Amazon Smile at: smile.amazon.com/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Winter Break Camp

Kids will be on winter break very soon, what are you planing on doing with the kids during your workweek? Why not allow their education to grow while they are having fun at winter break camp with the Discovery Center. Your children will enjoy spending the day at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, where they will be able to explore, engage and ask questions. The details fort this Winter Break Camp are provided for you below.

Now is the time to make plans for the kids during winter break! Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is hosting “Winter Break Camp: A Day at the Museum,” Monday, December 22, from 9 am to 3 pm. During this hands-on day camp, your favorite 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders will walk in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark, get up close to bald eagles, owls, and hawks, and risk it all on the Oregon Trail…and that’s before lunch!
Our lively and experienced education team will use interactive games, period demonstrations, arts & crafts, and live birds of prey to “school” your day-campers on 10,000 years of local natural and cultural history, the important role stewardship plays in the future of their own backyard, raptors of the Columbia River Gorge, and much more!

SRC: Space is Limited Register Today at: www.gorgediscovery.org/discover/events/kids-camps/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Win An Oregon Wintercation

Enter to win a "Wild" experience without the work of hiking 2,663 miles alone. The movie "Wild" staring Reese Witherspoon was filmed in the West Columbia Gorge area. This Wintercation will provide you the beauty of the Columbia Gorge while relaxing and taking in the small town wonders that exist along the Columbia River Gorge. Read what winning this trip would include below.

Win a "Wild" Trip Along the Columbia River Gorge
There's nothing more wild and cozy than snuggling into a room with a view of the Gorge after a full day of visiting its mountains, rivers, trails and experiencing its dining culture. Enjoy this "Wild" extravaganza from Troutdale to Cascade Locks (terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail trek seen in the movie "Wild") and Hood River to The Dalles, stay two nights, and have dinner, a play, and a brew on us!
Prize Package Includes:
Lodging:

• One Night's stay at Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn in Cascade Locks

• One Night's stay at Hood River BnB in Hood River

Activity:

• $100 Gift Certificate for Food, Merchandise and Private VIP Tour at Thunder Island Brewing

• $15 Shopping Gift Certificate to Lorang Fine Art and Gorge-ous Gifts

• Two Tickets to a Play at the Columbia Center for the Arts

• Blow Your Own Ornament for 2 People at Nichols Art Glass

• $25 Shopping Gift Certificate to Tommy Hilfiger North America

• Copy of "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" by Cheryl Strayed

Dining:

• $50 Gift Certificate for Food and Merchandise at McMenamins Edgefield

• $25 Dining Certificate at Ristoriante Di Pompello

• $30 Gift Certificate for Food at Petite Provence of the Gorge

SRC: Enter to Win An Oregon Wintercation at: traveloregon.com/cities-regions/mt-hood-the-gorge/wintercation/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Bob Ross Oil Painting Class

Troutdale's last Bob Ross Oil Painting Class will be held Wednesday December 17th, from 5:30 - 9:00 in the evening. The Bob Ross Oil Painting theme for the 17th is Cypress Paradise. The Bob Ross Oil Painting Classes are provided through the City of Troutdale's Recreation Programs, Presented by Wet Paints. For information about joining the Cypress Paraidse Oil Painting class call: 503.665.5175 and enjoy the painting.

SRC: Find the Bob Ross Oil Painting Class information and other Troutdale Recreation Programs at: www.ci.troutdale.or.us/recreation/programs.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Soderberg Gallery & Studio

You may recognize Heather Söderberg’s work, the Cascade Locks Marine Park features two of her bronze sculptures of Sacagawea and Seaman, from Lewis and Clark history. Söderberg’s Studio is located in Cascade Locks along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Read about this bronze artist below.

The artist is fundamentally alone in the creative process, whether he/she is supported and encouraged by other artists and lovers of art, or is solitary. The inner drama, the complex ebb and flow of feelings, hints and glimpses of images and ideas, the inner drive, urges, promptings and doubts — the often fierce, undeniable, gut-deep need to create — are those of individual artists alone, that they must somehow deal with through visions of the beauty and torment of the world.
Artists are meant to probe heaven and hell, good and evil, beauty and ugliness — the full dimension of life on earth, humanity’s relations with itself, with nature, with God, and the universe, as their personal needs and interests dictate. – Heather Söderberg

SRC: View more pieces of Söderberg’s bronze art at: heathersoderberg.com/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Grad Prix of Portland

The 2015 Grand Prix of Portland is in danger of not happening due to a lack of sponsor support. The cost of an event such as the Grand Prix of Portland is high, the reasoning for the high cost is the housing of Word Tour teams, funding a headquarters office, a prize purse, permitting fees and more. Nonbox is trying to secure sponsor contracts for this event by March 1st, 2015 in order for this event to occur. Read about the some of the challenges and benefits of having the Grand Prix of Portland could bring below.

Another challenge of planning the route, Toland says, is the presence of light rail and streetcar tracks and Portland’s “compressed geography.” Then there’s the community engagement that has to happen on residential streets through the West Hills. On that note, Toland said the Mayor’s Office has been “tremendously supportive.” “My hat is off to his policy directors, they have off-the-hook enthusiasm and everyone is behind this.”
They have reason to be enthused. A similar race, the 2005 San Francisco Grand Prix, generated an estimated $36 million for that city’s economy. A week-long stage race in Colorado this past summer had a $130 million economic impact.

SRC: Read more about the planning of the Grad Prix of Portland at: bikeportland.org/2014/12/10/grand-prix-bring-big-time-bike-racing-portland-sponsors-step-114686

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

The Spa at Columbia Gorge Hotel

If you are looking for the most relaxing spa escape in the Columbia Gorge then look no further. The Columbia Gorge Hotel has The Spa for you. Take a drive along the Columbia River Gorge to Hood River to start the relaxation escape. When you arrive to The Spa you can relax while being surround by the pure beauty that is the gorge. Read about the massages offered at The Spa below.

Looking to relax through the age old art of massage therapy? We offer 30, 60 or 90 minutes sessions to calm your mind, relax your body and renew your spirit.

• Sink into a state of deep relaxation with a hot aromatherapy foot wrap and a soothing, nurturing spa massage. The perfect combination of gentle strokes and therapeutic touch.
• Or maybe you're a 'no pain, no gain' type of person and really want your therapist to dig deep into those specific areas of tension and adhesions with a deep tissue massage? Our highly skilled therapists know just the right approach to help ease muscle pain.
• Perhaps the lure of a Hot Stone massage calls to you. You will find that the soothing warmth of the stones goes deep into the tissue without the need for painful pressure. Allow yourself to be transported to another realm - that space between awake and asleep where deep relaxation occurs.
• And then there is our Raindrop Therapy massage. Several essential oils are applied to your back to boost your immune system and support deep muscle relaxation.  This is followed by a full body relaxation massage to support mind, body and overall wellbeing. 

SRC: View the other services offered at The Columbia Gorge Hotel's Spa at: www.columbiagorgehotel.com/index.php/spa/about-our-spa


Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Brewmaster Dinner with Full Sail

Join the Full Sail Brew Pub for a Brewmaster Dinner on December 18th, 2014. This Brewmaster Dinner will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will held at their location in Hood River, Oregon. Come to enjoy a wonderful meal paired with a Full Sail brew. Read details about this Brewmaster Dinner presented by Full Sail Brew Pub below.

Four gourmet courses, each expertly paired with an award-winning Full Sail brew. Our Brewmaster Dinners are held the second Thursday of each month (except for December which is the third Thursday) from October to April at our Brew Pub in Hood River. Chef Mathias Engblom and Brewmaster Jamie Emmerson team up to create four delicious courses each paired with an award-winning Full Sail brew. All for just $40. Service starts at 5PM.

SRC: Contact Full Sail Brew Pub about this Brewmaster Dinner by visiting: www.fullsailbrewing.com/event/december-brewmaster-dinner.cfm

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Valentino Lounge at Columbia Gorge Hotel

While traveling along the Columbia River Gorge you can stop to enjoy an delicious meal without taking a break from the glorious view. At Valentino Lounge you are able to sit outside on the Valentino Terrace to enjoy your lunch or dinner while surrounded by the views of the gorge. Valentino Lounge is located at the Columbia Gorge Hotel and is open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, and from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Read about the history of the Columbia River Hotel below.

The stately site on which the Columbia Gorge Hotel now stands was originally developed in 1904 by Bobby Rand, a Hood River pioneer, as the Wah Gwin Gwin Hotel (a Native American name meaning "rushing water" for the 208' waterfall on the grounds).
These were the days of steamers navigating the waters of the Columbia River from the Cascades to The Dalles. To alert the hotel, the captains would sound the whistle once for each guest he had on board. Maids would then quickly make up the appropriate number of beds.In 1920, Rand sold his interests in the hotel to Simon Benson. Benson had just helped complete what many of the era claimed to be the world's most beautiful road, the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. Benson's dream was to create an opulent hotel for travelers at the end of this road. He hired some of the same Italian stone masons that had built the highway to embellish his hotel.

SRC: Look at more photos of the Valentino Lounge at the Columbua Gorge Hotel at: columbiagorgehotel.com/index.php/restaurant/valentino-lounge and read more of the History of the Columbia Gorge Hotel at: columbiagorgehotel.com/index.php/the-hotel/history

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Columbia River Gorge Proposal Surprised with Photo

In the photo above is a man asking a woman to marry him at the top of Munra Point in Mt. Hood National Forest along the Columbia River Gorge. This proposal was not planning on being photographed during their big moment but a photographer, Paul Wolfe just happen to be hiking at the right place at the right time. Later after posting the photo on Facebook, people urge the Wolfe to find the couple so they could have the photo of their engagement. Read what happened after Wolfe signed up for a reddit account in attempts to find the couple below.

“I happened upon this marriage proposal on Thanksgiving 2014,” wrote Wolfe on reddit early Wednesday morning. “I have no idea who these folks are, but would like them to have this photograph. If you know someone who got engaged on Munra Point in the Columbia River Gorge, the afternoon of 11/27/2014, please direct them to this picture. Thanks!”
The post received hundreds of comments by Wednesday afternoon as redditors worked their magic. Wolfe said it took only five hours after signing up to be in touch with the best man. And he really will be the best man — he plans to give the couple a print of their special moment on their wedding day.

SRC: Read the full article about the Columbia Gorge Proposal Photo finding it's way to the Engaged Couple at: www.opb.org/news/blog/newsblog/columbia-gorge-proposal-photo-finds-its-way-back-to-engaged-couple/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Columbia River Gorge Outdoors Enthusiast Gift Ideas

If you know someone who is a Columbia River Gorge Hiker, Fisher or general outdoor enthusiast we have easy gift ideas for you. Headlamps are helpful for hikers, fisherman or anyone who may be outdoors when it's cloudy or getting late. These Headlamps are especially great for when heading back to the car after a hike or camping trip. Another easy gift idea for your Columbia River Gorge hiker is hiking boots or a hiking book. For that huntsman or hunts-woman, fisherman or fisher-woman in your life, perhaps The Boone and Crockett Club First Cookbook would be the perfect gift. Read details about the headlamp below.

Take some of the concern about getting caught in the woods after dark with a headlamp.These are particularly reassuring when cross-country skiing or snowshoeing and it takes longer than anticipated to get back to the car.
With LED lights, these headlamps provide a surprising amount of brightness for a long period of time. Budget about $30 to $50 for a headlamp, plus buy some top-of-the-line lithium batteries ($8 to $10 for four) to power the headlamp.

SRC: For more Columbia River Gorge Outdoors Enthusiast Gift Ideas visit: www.columbian.com/news/2014/dec/04/easy-christmas-gift-ideas-sportsmen/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

The movie Wild staring Reese Witherspoon was filmed all over the Pacific Northwest. This film was based on the book From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, the story of the writers experience in life after divorce and the lost of her mother. This emotionally empowering film is heavily loaded with beautiful background from the Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake, Ashland, the Bridge of the Gods and more iconic locations in the Pacific Northwest. Read some details about the real woman who hiked over a thousand miles to find herself and the release of the movie her story inspired below.

Nineteen years after Strayed -- broke, newly divorced, and reeling from the death of her mother -- hiked 1,100 miles from the Mojave Desert to the Columbia River, and more than two years after the book was published and became a No. 1 bestseller, Strayed finds herself in a place she never imagined. She's gone from being the Portland author of one novel ("Torch") who wrote an advice column for a website that didn't pay her and published her anonymously ("Dear Sugar") to international fame, millions in good fortune, and friendship with Oprah Winfrey. The release of "Wild" on Dec. 5 (it opens Dec. 12 in Portland) will take everything to another level, but if the stress is straining at Strayed, she's not showing it. She's the one who sent "Wild" to Witherspoon before it was published, the first and most important move that led to the movie being made.

SRC: See photos from the filming of Wild at:  www.oregonlive.com/movies/index.ssf/2014/12/wild_how_reese_witherspoon_tur.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

5 Must-See Spots Along the Columbia River Gorge

This is Elowah Falls, along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. In the Photo is Let Birds Fly blogger Bailey. Bailey and her husband Mark love the outdoors and have ranked their 5 Must-See Spots along the Columbia River Gorge. Elowah Falls was their first of five must-see spots, followed by Crown Point, Multnomah Falls, Oneonta Gorge, and finally Horsetail Falls. Read a brief description of Elowah Falls and why Bailey and Mark classified it as a must-see below.

Elowah Falls was my favorite waterfall in the area. This waterfall makes you hike to get to it, but the hike is pretty short and fairly easy. At 213 feet, Elowah Falls is taller than Niagara Falls. The area around the falls is very lush and makes you seem like you’re in a fairy tale.
Why is it a must-see? Elowah Falls is one of the least-visited falls along the Columbia River Gorge. It’s easy to get the whole place to yourself for an hour or more. It is also amazingly beautiful.

SRC: See more photos and descriptions of Must-See Spots along the Columbia River Gorge from Let Birds Fly at: www.letbirdsflyblog.com/5-must-see-spots-columbia-river-gorge/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Holiday Open House at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is having their annual Holiday Open House this Saturday, December 6th. This Holiday Open House is a great family outing and free all to everyone all day. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the River Gallery will be featuring live music performances by various local performers. Read more details about this Holiday Open House at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum below.

If that’s not enough to get you in the holiday spirit, Santa is scheduled to fly from the North Pole for a visit and a photo op! Additional highlights include complimentary cookies, hot cocoa and cider, kids crafts, Live Birds of Prey shows, and finish (or start) your holiday shopping with a 20% discount on ALL ITEMS in the Columbia River Trading Co., other special discounts and complimentary gift wrapping. A drawing for a free Gift Basket give-away will take place at the end of the day.

SRC: Plan a outing to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum by visiting: www.gorgediscovery.org/event/holiday-open-house/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here